Okoroire.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 306, 19 September 1929, Page 1

Okoroire.

VALEDICTORY. Mr. A. J. Willis. A largely attended dinner was held in the Okoroire Hotel on Tuesday afternoon to bid farewell to Mr. A. J. Willis, who has sold his farm and is leaving the district. Mr. F. J. R. Goodwin acted as chairman, and after the Loyal toast, on behalf of the residents of Okoroire, presented Mr. Willis with a fountain pen. In doing so, he spoke feelingly of the many good services to the district the guest of the evening had rendered. In golf, tennis and bowling circles he had shown great enthusiasm and a readiness to do his part. Other speakers were Mr. E. Gubb, president of the Okoroire branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, who spoke of the good work on behalf of farmers done while Mr. Willis held the secretaryship, and Mr. P. Dee, who voiced the settlers’ appreciation of the departing guest.

After dinner entertainment was provided by Mrs. Brown and Messrs. F. Lee and G. McDonald, who each rendered a solo; Mr. Wilding, who gave a recitation; and Mr. P. Dee, who obliged with humorous stories. Excellent music was provided by Mrs. McLaren. The healths of Mr. Noel Boucher, successor to Mr. Willis, and Mr. and Mrs. Higginson, host and hostess, were also drunk. The singing of “ Auld Lang Syne ” brought a most pleasant afternoon to a close.